The 2022 Auditor General’s Report is a blatant violation of the Constitution and an illegal attempt to cover up the new dawn government’s corruption and theft of public resources.
By Kasonde Mwenda C | EFF President.
Lusaka, Oct. 6 – Today, I stand before you as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to expose the cunning abuse of public resources and opaqueness of the UPND government. We bring to your attention the Auditor General Report for the Financial Year Ending 31st December 2022. This report reveals a blatant violation of our revered constitution by the UPND government.
Also Read: A new Auditor General to sweep corruption under the carpet!
◾Illegal Abrogation Of The Zambian Constitution.
On October 3rd, 2023, which is after the presentation of the 2024 National Budget, the UPND government, contrary to the prescription of our Constitution, failed to present the Auditor General’s Report for the previous year, as mandated by the supreme law of our land.
The inclusion of this crucial clause in our Constitution was strategically designed to assess and evaluate the previous year’s revenue and expenditure before embarking on the new budget. This prudent measure is meant to safeguard the financial resources and other assets of our great nation.
Clause number 212 of the Zambian Constitution unambiguously states that:
“The Auditor General shall not later than nine months after the end of the Financial Year submit an audit report to the President and National Assembly on the accounts of the Republic audited in respect of the preceding financial year.”
To brazenly violate the Zambian Constitution is a direct affront to the citizens who trusted and bestowed power upon these office bearers, who took an oath to uphold and protect the very Constitution they are now shamelessly abrogating.
This act of defiance and disregard for our supreme law indicates a persistent lack of transparency, accountability, and an alarming abuse of Zambia’s scarce resources. It is a slap in the face to every citizen who relies on the responsible management of public funds for their well-being and development.
◾Fraudulent Ommission Of K4.5bn CDF Report.
Furthermore, we would like to draw your attention to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has been inexplicably omitted from the scope of the audit.
The blantant omission of the CDF audit report is unjustified and illegal as it is not sanctioned or backed by any law. The Auditor General has no such power to choose not to report on public expenditure without express leave of the law. The CDF budget accounted for 2.7% of the 2022 National Budget. A staggering K4.5bn can’t just be carelessly and fraudulently be hidden and omitted from the Auditor General’s report.
That is illegal as that figure is too substantial and its absence expunged its integrity thereby rendering the entire Auditor General’s Report a mere Financial Report and a crime scene. Considering that the UPND government touted its achievements in increasing the CDF in the recent budget reading, it is highly troubling that the success or failure of previous years remains hidden from the public.
This act of actively concealing information from the Zambian citizens is an absolute atrocity.
◾Departure From Vision, Transparency And Accountability.
The Vision of the Auditor General (AG) Statement in the previous year’s report clearly emphasized the promotion of transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of public resources. However, in the 2022 report, these crucial components were ominously removed.
The removal of the phrase “prudent management” from the vision statement, and the alteration of the mission statement from ensuring that “public resources are being used for national development and the well-being of citizens” to a vague statement raises concerns.
It reveals a disturbing shift in focus and a lack of commitment to the responsible stewardship of our nation’s resources.
Furthermore, the 2021 AG Report set a specific goal to give assurance that at least 80% of public resources are applied towards developmental outcomes. Astonishingly, the 2022 AG Report completely omits any specific goals.
This omission leaves us questioning the government’s commitment to ensure that public resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of our society.
The 2021 AG Report listed respect and innovation as core values. Respect, including respect for our resources, is crucial to ensure their proper utilization. Additionally, with the rapid advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, innovation is essential for accountability and setting targets to eliminate the abuse of public resources. However, the 2022 AG Report has shockingly removed these critical values, disregarding the importance of respect and innovation in creating a transparent and accountable government.
It is important to note that the vision, mission, goals, and core values outlined in the Auditor General’s report have been in place since the Annual Report year ending 31st December 2016. The sudden changes and removal of key components indicate a deliberate attempt to undermine transparency and accountability within the government.
As the EFF, we express our deep concern over the lack of transparency and accountability exhibited by the UPND government in the recently released 2022 Auditor General (AG) Report. It is with great disappointment that we observe a deliberate attempt by the government to hide critical details from the Zambian citizens.
In the 2021 AG Report, we found a comprehensive Executive Summary consisting of nine pages, providing specific details such as revenue collection and the failure of the Zambia Revenue Authority to reconcile and collect tax arrears. However, to our dismay, this crucial information has been omitted in the 2022 AG Report, reducing the summary to mere introduction sentences. This intentional act to hoodwink and withhold vital information is an affront to the Zambian citizens and an abomination.
◾Increase In Corruption And Government Cover-Up.
Additionally, we note with utmost concern the significant increases in percentages of various queries in the AG analysis from 2021 to 2022. The top five areas displaying alarming variances are:
▪️ Unaccounted for revenue (3,548%),
▪️ Unacquitted inputs (1,176%),
▪️ Overpayments (1,072%),
▪️ Irregular distribution of inputs (563%),
▪️ Irregular payments (244%).
These figures indicate a clear disregard for financial accountability and transparent governance on the part of the UPND government.
Furthermore, in particular, we would like to highlight the anomalies and inconsistencies surrounding the procurement and delivery of Urea and Compound D fertilizer, as stated in the AG report.
The EFF party filed the first complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding the $50m new dawn government fertilizer scandal involving Alpha Commodities Ltd.
The second complaint was filed in with evidence in April 2022 involving $189m of misappropriation, unfortunately after preliminary investigation by ACC which revealed that high ranking UPND individuals were involved, this matter has been frozen by the ACC and declared a matter of State Secret according to the ACC official communication to the EFF President.
We demanded a thorough investigation into issues such as illegal single sourcing, overpricing of the fertilizer, and alleged interference with the tender award. It is imperative that the ACC addresses these corruption allegations and holds the responsible parties accountable.
In the AG Report with reference to procurement and delivery of Urea and Compound D fertilizer, in which anomalies and inconsistencies contrary to our procurement legislation occurred, Alpha Commodities Ltd is mentioned. This section deals specifically with procurement and delivery of Urea and Compound D Fertilizer during the 2022/2023 farming season.
◾Protecting Thieves And Lack Of Will To Fight Corruption.
Moreover, the 2022 AG Report highlights the UPND government’s failure to address outstanding issues of corruption in procurement.
For instance, AVIC International Limited is flagged for “Irregular Award of the Contract” in the Ministry of Health section of the report. This lack of attention to critical procurement issues raises serious concerns about the sincerity and commitment of the UPND government in fighting corruption.
◾Conclusion.
We, the Economic Freedom Fighters, demand answers and accountability from the UPND government. We call upon all citizens, civil society organizations, and international partners to join us in condemning this willful violation of our constitution and the continued abuse of public resources.
The EFF calls upon the UPND government to immediately address the revelations brought forth by the 2022 AG Report. We demand full transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fighting corruption in all government affairs. The Zambian citizens deserve nothing less.
We cannot allow our country to be governed by a government that shamelessly disregards our supreme law and misuses our scarce resources. We must stand together to protect our nation’s financial well-being and ensure a brighter future for all Zambians.
We would also like to take a moment to recognize that the role of the media in a thriving democracy cannot be overstated, and we commend their tireless efforts in keeping our citizens informed and holding those in power accountable.
Together, let us delve into the heart of our nation’s affairs, fostering a spirit of unity, transparency, and mutual understanding.
About the EFF: The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is dedicated to promoting economic freedom, social justice, and equality for all citizens. The EFF is committed to holding the government accountable and advocating for the well-being of the Zambian people.
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